I've read a lot of conversations involving the Italian engines versus Chinese. I've owned many of both (22 currently) and like the nostalgia of the engines made in their homeland. To be honest the only quality issues I've ever had were with very late Italian production engines with rough machine work on the guide for the throttle barrel. The partial spiral groove was so course it effected mixture and made the throttle sticky. The cure was a simple polishing to finish the work. When I see sale ads making a point that the engine is Made in Italy it makes no reflection upon the value for me. I love 'em all. I'm quite sure only G versions were made in China. The G having replaced the SK. The SK having replaced the S.